Plan To Boost Reservoir Dims

Panel Fails To Act On Water-supply Bill

RICHMOND — Sen. Marty Williams of Newport News pressed his case Monday for a controversial bill that would strip a state agency of its authority to approve or reject water-supply projects.

His prospects dimmed considerably when a Senate panel, after hearing arguments on both sides, refused to make a motion either way, simply leaving the bill on the docket.

That inaction allows lawmakers to effectively kill bills without taking recorded votes. Williams' bill is technically still alive, and one member of the panel said there was a chance it could be discussed next week.

Under Williams' bill, a water supply project that has passed the State Water Control Board would not need a permit from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission for the use of state-owned bottomland.

Discussion of the bill always prompts discussion of the King William Reservoir, which the VMRC opposes. The degree of connection between the two issues depends on who is doing the talking.

Williams says his bill is not a back-door maneuver to help save the reservoir, as some have charged. Rather, he wants to ensure other cities don't endure the tortuous process that Newport News has experienced in trying to build the project.

The battle over the reservoir has lasted 16 years and cost millions of dollars, and there is still no resolution in sight. While VMRC opposes it, other state agencies have approved it. Ultimately, the courts may rule.

Williams said his legislation is aimed at streamlining the process. While it won't affect the reservoir, it was inspired by it.

"I don't want this to happen to other communities," he told members of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.

Environmental groups weighed in against the idea. While some agreed that the approval process could be simpler, they didn't like the idea of taking away VMRC's authority. There is more to consider in water-supply projects than the water itself or the economic development it would spur, they said. There is also the effect on the environment and the fishing habitat.

"We think this is the equivalent of killing a mosquito with a bazooka," said Patricia Jackson, president of the James River Association.

Sen. Emmett W. Hanger Jr., a committee member, indicated after the nonvote that he might want to talk about the bill further.

"I thought there was some support for that measure," he said. "So there may be a way of fixing this. I don't know if there is."

Hugh Lessig can be reached at (804) 225-7345 or by e-mail at hlessig@dailypress.com